Remembering Local Artist Michael Moody: “Black Art with an Urban Contemporary Flair” After receiving his BFA, he returned to Syracuse and started his first job, teaching with the Syracuse City School District. A call from a college friend lured him to California, where he studied for a Master’s degree in education administration at San Jose State. He rode the highways on the back of a motorcycle, and earned belts in Tae Kwon Do.
tival and the Philadelphia Art Expo, Mike consistently exhibited what he called “black art with an urban contemporary flair”. He has murals on city buildings and private property, the most popular on the corner where South Beech Street runs into Westcott Street.
The Westcott Street Mural has If there was something become a gateMike loved as much as art, it was his way welcoming people to the commercial motorcycle. As the weather cleared district. Of the mural images, one depicts he looked forward to getting out on the a deceased longtime owner of a corner Michael Moody remembered his finger open road. store. At one point it was suggested that a paintings hanging on the walls of the old window be placed in the wall to allow Taking in as many art galleries as possiEverson Museum on the North Side. more light into the host building. ResiSince those art classes when he was five, ble, from Los Angeles to Sacramento, dents were clear, “leave the mural alone”. Mike was inspired to take his art more he said, he has been creating images. Michael Moody’s Next he got a Kodak Brownie Fiesta box seriously. After seven years he returned to Syracuse. passing leaves a camera from his mother. He has taken legacy of art, a legathousands of pictures over the years, “My hard work has paid off to cy he always rewhich really started him on his artistic a degree,” he said, reflecting minded people of journey. on exhibits in over 100 art when marketing his shows and several write ups in While in high school, Mike shot photos work. He encourfor “the Liberated Voice,” a local news- the Stars sections of the Post aged people to colpaper focusing on the African-American Standard. In 2004 he won a lect art. fellowship from the New community. He continued his photogNow, his legacy is raphy while attending Florida A&M Uni- York Foundation for the Arts to do research, studying in the array of murals, versity, working on the newspaper and galleries in New York City. paintings, drawings, yearbook. While there he photographed photographs, inand interviewed such notables as Patti From the local Westcott Culcluding a collection LaBelle, the Temptations and the late tural Festival and PloughJames Brown. shares Arts and Crafts Festival (Continued on page 2) to the Atlanta Black Arts Fes-
We Shall Not Be Moved ! Syracuse-Onondaga Consolidation has the hallmark of a Shotgun Wedding
People’s AME Zion Church Turning “Whine” into Water
New Amendment Seeks to Strip Power from Citizen Review Board
SCSD Schools Earn Improved Accountability Status from New York State Education Department
- to prepare a display with some of Michael's photos or images of his artwork to be shown at the Art on Parade booth. We are looking for an artist or a group of artists who would be interested in preparing a display to celebrate Michael Moody's life and artwork. If you are interested in helping, please contact us immediately to coordinate efforts.
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of comics produced for Urban CNY/The Constitution illustrating a written piece or stand along satire. During our last conversation he said, “I found my collection of comics I produced for you, I have to show you.” We laughed about the content and he talked about getting ready for the Art on Parade Show, “time to get these ready for the show, I have a few things to finish.” Less than a week later he was gone. In his absence he’s left a part of himself on every piece of art he’s ever produced. His legacy, his final gift to the community, his vibrant color filled images that brightened our lives and will continue to in perpetuity.
Call for Help to Honor One of Michael Moody's Last Wishes Join us in helping Michael Moody fulfill one of his last wishes - to showcase his art at the upcoming Art on Parade event at the Central New
- to help reach family members, friends or collectors who may be interested in bringing a copy of Michael's paintings to be displayed at the booth. York Home & Garden Show, March 17-20! "As winter was coming to an end, Michael was getting ready to participate in the Art on Parade program at the Home & Garden Show next month. He expressed a great interest in joining fellow local artists in promoting his artwork, and we were looking forward to learning more about his latest masterpieces and community engagements." The Board of Directors at American Rupite and through its program Art on Parade would like to reach out to all family members, friends, and fellow artists to help us honor Michael's wish by helping him participate posthumously during the Art on Parade event on March 17. We are asking for your help:
There is also the opportunity to incorporate his paintings at the upcoming Parade of Homes in June. Please reach out to us. If you would like to participate or have ideas and suggestions, please contact us at parade@AmericanRupite.com or call us at (315) 944-2099.
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Michael Moody at a previous Art on Parade Exhibition
We Shall Not Be Moved ! Syracuse-Onondaga Consolidation has the hallmark of a Shotgun Wedding
Bully “an aggressive person who intimidates or mistreats weaker people”;
of urgency from those who are in favor of this Syracuse- Onondaga union.
Bully Pulpit, platform a position of prominent author- The fruits of regionalization would be our collective ity that gives the holder a wide audience, e.g. a politi- economic development strength. It’s not just the $200 in annual savings to homeowners. The new region cal office. would have the ability to attract businesses that have Sometimes bullying takes form in aggressive measura- avoided the area in the past. Promises are made to loble actions that people can easily recognize and witcate jobs within 5 miles of the areas most underemness, then there’s the kind of psychological “bullying” ployed areas, such as the city of Syracuse. that’s tantamount to shoving a policy down the comWith an African-American community ensconced in munities gullet. The elation over the award of $500 poverty, a five mile journey without a car or dependamillion dollars in a competitive search for “the best regional plan” has been replaced with shock and awe. Syracuse-Onondaga has received a poke to the ribs, a wink of an eye and the use of the bully pulpit to force a structural relationship. It’s as if we’re in a lost episode of, The Beverly Hillbillies where Syracuse got Onondaga Mae Pregnant and they’ s got to get married. Everything short of a shotgun, oh wait; “click”, ammunition is being loaded. According to reports, if our community rejects the Consensus Commissions’ options for consolidation, Governor Andrew Cuomo has let it been known that the $500 million dollar economic development package may be in jeopardy of being yanked. Yanking funds punishes this region for not agreeing to a consolidation plan proposed by many of the areas financial stakeholders. Poor people have been used as chum to bate funds, once funds and jobs materialize those whose poverty attracted these funds never see the fruition of any tangible economic opportunities. While the period for discussion has been extended from its original March 16th deadline into May, there’s a sense
ble public transportation might as well be a five hundred mile excursion. There are no rock solid promises or deals that mandate placement of these government funded, new industries within city limits. The record of locating new living wage employment within the city has produced abysmal results for the AfricanAmerican and Hispanic communities. Why should we trust big government now? The economic carnage has practically devoured African-American and Hispanic population of the city of Syracuse. Burdened with the reality of deeply embedded economic development problems, CenterState CEO took the lead in this quest to save Central New York. We’ve watched for over 20 years various members of the African-American community who’ve asked CenterState CEO for some type of support for minority initiatives. Anemic efforts were made by CenterState CEO, until there was a pot of $500 million dollar gold at the end of the development rainbow. Now, all the things that were previously not done with the African-American community are now under the jurisdiction of CenterState CEO. Upon examination this wedding cake is halfbaked; the frosting on this celebratory wedding cake is uneven. What happens to a city that is on the verge of becoming diverse enough to elect majority African- American and Hispanic representatives? As we are statistically moved into the county, the African American community could disappear politically. The city of Syracuse is reduced to becoming regional political after-birth appended to a much larger, more affluent base. Perhaps the real winners would be the citizens of Syracuse and Onondaga County by rejecting this shotgun wedding sending a message to Albany, the Onondaga County Executive and CenterState CEO that, “we shall not be moved.”
New Amendment Seeks to Strip Power from Citizen Review Board would be easy. I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.” As we conclude the celebration of Black History Month, I’m reminded of a famous quote by Frederick Douglass: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”
So my fellow Councilors, we birthed it, but its very survival now rests with you! Thank you! Nancy Keefe Rhodes has been active in Syracuse change efforts for decades. She served on the original Task Force when the Citizen Review Board was established in addition to serving on Syracuse Common Councilor, Pam Hunters Task Force for revision.
On January 25, 1993, some 23 years ago, I stood before the people of Syracuse who packed this room, as the men in blue surrounded this room, to introduce a The following are her comments in response to a Post local law of the City of Syracuse establishing a Citizen -Standard article by Chris Baker about the proReview Board. At that time, the Syracuse Police Chief posed legislation first published online on 2/29: and the Mayor adamantly opposed it. Nancy Keefe Rhodes on Citizen Review Board Amendment So here we are today with an amendment that seeks to "This amendment should absolutely be held until the prevent the Citizen Review Board from exercising its “power to initiate, join, participate or commence any lawsuit in progress now has a hearing in court. To simply hijack the process with an end run really is not legal action or proceeding.” Defeat it! Send it packing. good governance. That January morning I implored the Council and the audience: We can read history or we can make it. We can sit on the sideline or we can be in the midst of the fray. We decided back in 1990 we would be in the midst of the fray. And for three years we were figuratively knocked down, literally insulted, but we rose from the ashes like the Phoenix. The community got into the midst of the fray. We had twenty-one distinguished community agencies and groups who stood up and spoke out, who were drum majors for Justice, barkers for truth and warriors in the midst of the fray.
Recent legislation has been introduced which would severely reduce powers of Syracuse’s Citizen Review Board. The law empowering the CRB has been on the Sarah Watrous, books for over 20 years now faces its toughest battle writing an article yet. in The Peace Newsletter on “Police It has been made clear by the CRB that the 60-day pe- Misconduct in Syriod current timeline for filing complaints is not racuse” concluded enough. It takes more than 60-days to investigate and and I quote: “Just gather all of the information necessary for the Citizen as the creation of Review Board to perform their duties. the CRB required concerted grassIn an unprecedented move the Citizen Review Board roots organizing, has filed a lawsuit regarding the 60 day timetable similar efforts are which is calendar days, reducing the time to complete needed to restore its their work to 45 business days. In addition, the Compower to play a mon Council has been asked to consider altering lanmeaningful role in guage in the law, so the CRB cannot “engage in any the broader efforts legal proceeding”. to eliminate police misconduct and The amendment explicitly prohibits the city of Syracreate accountabilcuse’s CRB from the, “power to initiate, join, partici- ity.” pate or commence any legal action or proceeding.” The CRB was initiated in a citizen led effort to, As we remember “eliminate police misconduct and create accountabilFrederick Douglass, the great orator and abolitionist, ity.” The proposed amendments approval would roll Harriet Tubman, the great Underground Railroad conback progress made since the legislation was introductor, Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer of Mississipduced in 1993. According to those who were there pi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Nelson when the legislation was adopted, the newly imposed Mandela, to name only a few, let us remember that obstacles should be rejected. down through the generations, their lives and their struggles have given inspiration and nobility to each of us, and that propels us onward to the work that this Community Speaks Out time and this place demands of us. As a Council and as a citizenry we cannot lose Charles Anderson – Former Syracuse that sense of history we celeCommon Councilor brate this month. Charles Anderson is the former Syracuse Common “Let the fire of their words Councilor who led efforts to establish the CRB. The following is his testimony given February 24th to cur- ignite our consciousness and our resolve. Let the urgency rent members of the legislative body. of this time and place propel us to action. Let the forcefulMy fellow councilors, My name is Charles Anderson ness of their lives give life to and I served 12 years on the Council as 4th District us, imbue us with daring and Councilor and President Pro Tempore for a time! boldness, strength and perseverance.” “I don’t feel no ways tired. I’ve come too far from where I started from. Nobody told me that the road
I do wish that a number of events had not occurred that seem to have poisoned the well between the CRB & Frank Fowler. I publicly urged Mr. Lipari several years ago at a Council hearing to 1) start implementing ALL of the CRB law by offering mediation where the ordinance says this should (they have now since started that, but none had been offered before that date) & 2) to attend to the CRB's relationship with the Chief. Exactly the opposite seems to have happened, including a number of ill-advised moves that have been difficult for many people supporting the CRB to defend. Syracuse is fortunate to have this chief & I would advise the CRB not to waste his remaining time in office. As a city we may not have the same opportunity again soon. Be that as it may, this move by Councilor Thompson is not constructive & should be halted at this time. I also ask the Council to actively consider a number of recommendations the CRB has made to amend the law & make its functioning more efficient - requests that have sat there for some time with no response. For example, to allow a somewhat longer period to resolve cases & to allow people hearing panel members to be seated regardless of the source of their appointments. Having served on City entities myself as an appointee, I am appalled when people assume that whoever appointed you manages & controls your votes. This simply is not the case, & the assumption that certain appointees must be kept separated in decision-making functions is incredibly insulting to them. Alan Rosenthal & I both served on both task forces to write the original CRB law under Councilor Anderson as well as its revision under Councilor Hunter I understand why we inserted & later kept the language about hearing panel assignments. And I think it should be modified now. The Council would more constructively attend to these matters than shooting the CRB in the knees."
Succeeding @ OCC Chidera Joseph Chidera Joseph dreams of returning to her home country of Nigeria and using her education to help people learn how to empower themselves. “The job of a woman there is to be pretty, get married and have children. I want to create a program that will help females at a very young age learn to own their own business and be career driven so they’ll be able to stand up for themselves and speak for themselves.”
English language. She bought us ‘Hooked on Phonics’ and constantly reminded us what we needed to do.”
Joseph graduated from Jamesville-Dewitt High School in 2014 and came to OCC that fall. Today she’s a Business Administration major and is on track to graduate in May 2016. She’s also involved in both the Office of Student Leadership and EnJoseph’s inspiration is her own difficult gagement and in the childhood. She was orphaned at a young age by the death of her parents. In 2007 at Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP). “I’ve enjoyed my the age of 11, Joseph moved to the United States with her brother. They were time here. OCC is a really good school. You have to make the best of your opporadopted by their aunt, a chemistry teacher at Nottingham who Joseph now refers to tunities. The professors here challenge you to think for yourself, analyze inforas her mother. “From the moment we arrived she told us the value of learning the mation and work on your critical thinking skills.”
Food, Wine and Cheese Classes Coming to Onondaga Community College
Ever wonder what kind of wines to pair with Cooking certain types of food? Or which kinds of and Wine cheese work best with Italian wine? All of those questions and more will be answered in Pairing – a series of new classes at Onondaga Commu- Monday, nity College. The College’s brand new Food March well with each course. Tuition: $55. Discounts for cou& Wine series begins in March. All of the 28 5:30-9 p.m. ples will be available. classes will be offered on OCC’s main campus at 4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, Explore Moroccan cuisine and prepare various tradi13215. Attendees must be 21 or older to reg- tional dishes. At the conclusion of the cooking portion, the class will dine together and sample wines that pair ister. The classes include: Wine Basics – class offered
Friday, April 8 and Thursday, May 19 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about wine varietal grapes, the process of wine making including vineyard characteristics, grape fermentation and how to properly evaluate wine. Sample and evaluate wines for key quality indicators. Tuition: $45 for either class (these two classes are identical).
Italian Wine and Cheese Pairing – class offered Friday, April 22 and Friday, May 6 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about Italian cheese, cheese making and how to select the appropriate Italian wine to match a cheese, its flavor palettes, overall menu and time of the year. You will be taught how to score cheese and wine and serve both properly. The April 22 class will highlight wines from northern Italy. The May 6 class will focus on wines from southern Italy. Tuition: $50 per class. Discounts for couples will be available. The classes are offered through the College’s Lifelong Learning program. More information is available by calling (315) 498-6000 or online at www.sunyocc.edu/ community.
To Kill A Mockingbird Syracuse Stage February 24- March 26 Syracuse Stage presents this American classic at a time when race has again gained our nations’ attention. To Kill A Mockingbird from the novel by Harper Lee takes on additional significance given her recent death. This story is testimony to its timeless nature that resonates with readers and theatergoers decades after its publication. To Kill Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb, Alabama, 1935. It chronicles life in a hot southern town as it wrestles with a crime that galvanizes the white citizenry against a Black man. It all starts when respected lawyer Atticus Finch takes on a case that has him defending a man public opinion has already convicted. As the story takes us to trial the jury and audience is focused on the testimony of witnesses. How will these series of events end? As the children view the proceedings they cannot believe that there would be any verdict but the obvious. Mark Murphey as Atticus played the role with an ease of a hot southern day breathing fire into the defense of his client, Tom (Landon G. Wilson). The intelligible innocence of the children; Scout, convincingly portrayed by Sera Bullis, Jem (Matthew Caraccioli) and Dill (Anthony Cawley) transported you into the lives of children, their thoughts and reactions to the justice system being presented before them. Other cast members include; Perri Gaffney as Calpurnia, William Hall, Hr. as Rev. Sykes and Liam Craig (Heck Tate), and Rachel Towne(Mayella Ewell). Also, effective were the members of the Jury who were local residents chosen to be in the production. You watch To Kill Mockingbird, hoping against hope for a different outcome to the trial. Things can’t really be this way in America today, this is a story written in 1935. However, the strength of this classic novel challenges the notions that this is about the past. Recent events in America indicate this is systemic, Harper Lee called it as it was in 1935. The only difference today is air conditioning in the courthouse.
Home & Garden Show 2016 Empire Expo CenterNYS Fairgrounds 581 State Fair Blvd. Syracuse, NY 13209 Thursday, March 17, 2016 – Sunday, March 20, 2016 Thursday March 17th: 4:00pm to 8:00pm Friday March 18th: 2:00pm to 8:00pm Saturday March 19th: 10:00am to 8:00pm Sunday March 20th: 10:00am to 5:00pm Presented by the Home Builders Association of Central NY, this great show features everything the home owner needs to know to complete those "Honey-do" lists! Loads of vendors & even more great ideas. See website for details.
prominent on campuses. Dr. Hillsman, Music Educator, says that Spiritual and Gospel music as a genre, has come a long way for it has influenced music on a global basis. There is wide participation and inclusion in programs and the curriculum. Many schools are providing academic course credits.
sessions on performance techniques, vocal coaching, liturgical movement and more, sign up now. Youth and adults are invited to receive coaching at no cost, if registered. Experienced performers are welcome to “sharpen your tools”! Exciting events will be televised throughout the year through CJack Enterprises and other partners. Take advantage now! This project is The study of music of other cultures will show similar- partially funded by CNY Arts and Joan Hillsman’s ity in the characteristics of African American music Music Network, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Let’s Gospel Music Workshop of America (call and response, improvisation, cross rhythms, syn- showcase the talents across the city. copation, etc. See Dr. Hillsman’s book, “Gospel Mu(GMWA) sic: An African American Art Form, www. Friesen Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Press for detailed information”). Classical composers Music Workshop of America SGMWA The GMWA held its 49th Annual Board Meeting at such as Anton Dvorak, used the spiritual “Goin’ Will host its Annual 6th Musical the Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 14-17, Home” theme in one of his symphonies. Many other 2016. The membership and department heads, along Concert at Hendricks Chapel composers such as Bach, Handel’s (Messiah) and inwith supporters, record industry and a host of music corporated cultural idioms. Friday, April 8, 2016, 7PM in the Chapel – No Admisenthusiasts gather at this time to plan for the national sion, Free Parking convention which occurs each year during the summer. Collegiate Night in Las Vegas held an audience of See the website at www.gmwanational.net for all inapproximately 800. Representing the Collegiate Night Choirs and Talent are invited to attend, Please Sign up formation regarding GMWA, including registration included youth and adult performers. The night foforms. The Gospel Music Workshop of America was cused on the theme, “Gospel Goes to College”. A ju- Immediately! The program will include gospel music performance, Liturgical Dance, Poetry and Spoken founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland, whose mis- bilant opening consisted of Prof. Latonya Wrenn of Word. The public is invited to attend. If you would sion is to provide a platform for gospel artists to share Bowie State University and Director of the Bowie like to perform in the above categories, contact Dr. the rich heritage of music to the world. Rev. Albert State University Gospel Choir, who combined her clas- Hillsman. We are in need of instrumentalists and singJamison is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. sical works with spiritual, gospel, and ending in the ers for this event and future engagement. The participation at the Board Planning session has composition, “God Bless America”. The audience become a mini-convention within itself due to the par- exploded in applause. Other performers were the Naticipation of nightly musical performances, exhibits, Invest in Music: Its Pays Off! tomas Drum Corp, Sacremento, California, Soloist, and a wealth of resources to take back to your local Yardley Griffin, Las Vegas Youth (Six Sisters), The jurisdictions. GMWA chapters are available for mem- GMWA Youth/Adult Contemporary Choir, and others. JHMN, Inc. provides Music bership throughout the various states and international- Details for Collegiate Night 2017 at the Board Meeting Lessons, Enroll Now! ly. The Syracuse Chapter of GMWA welcomes your is forthcoming as soon as it becomes available. Spread membership and is looking for SINGERS and MUSI- the Word! Information on how to register and particiCIANS, contact Dr. Joan Hillsman, Syracuse Chapter pate will be forwarded. One suggestion is to begin Joan Hillsman’s Music Lessons, tutorials, The BusiRepresentative, National Collegiate Chair, and Nation- fundraising now for the event. ness of Music, Church Music Ministry Trends, and al Board Member at jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. Master Classes at affordable rates with certified teachBuilding Neighborhood Pride: Stir ers. The studio is located at 4455 E. Genesee St., GMWA Collegiate Night 2016 in Las Up The Gift! Dewitt/Syracuse, across from Tops and Chase Bank. Vegas “Rocked Again” Open by appointment only! Inquire Now! Summer Take advantage of this Syracuse area opportunity for Collegiate Night at the GMWA Board Meeting in Las your exposure by contacting, Dr. Joan Hillsman, 315- Enrichment slots are now available. Hurry! Spaces are limited. Vegas “Rocked, It was off the chain”, stated one en373-0805, jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. This is a commuthusiastic observer, I did not realize the participation nity event coordinated by Dr. Hillsman. If you would Contact 315-299-4928, Dr. Hillsman. of Gospel music on college and university was so like to be in an upcoming Syracuse Showcase, attend
Sharon Owens of Southwest Community Center Awarded “The Kathy” At a ceremony on November 5th at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, Gifford Foundation board president Larry Bousquet and Allyn Foundation board member Eric Allyn announced the recipient of the 2015 Kathy GoldfarbFindling Leadership Award, jointly awarded by the two Foundations. Sharon Owens, executive director of Southwest Community Center, is the 2015 recipient of “The Kathy,” which is awarded to nonprofit leaders who are creative, collaborative and embrace change. Named in honor of the late executive director of Gifford, who also served as director of strategic initia-
tives at the Allyn Foundation, Last year’s honoree, Kerry Quaglia, Nominated this year’s recipient, the award provides a $3,000 honorarium for the recipient’s Sharon Owens. personal use – whether for professional development or personal growth opportunities. The Kathy award was created in 2011 at the time of Ms. Goldfarb-Findling’s retirement to recognize her special approach to leadership: to be nimble and creative; to encourage lifelong learning; to embrace leaps of faith and not fear failure; to work “with” not do “for”; to fully engage in collaborative approaches and to at all times believe passionately in the power of change and personal growth. Previous recipients of “The Kathy” are Catholic Charities executive director Michael Melara (2011), Mary Ellen Clausen, founding director of
Ophelia’s Place (2012), Randi Bregman of Vera House and Mary Beth Frey of Samaritan Center (both 2013) and Kerry Quaglia of Home HeadQuarters (2014).
Dr. Sharon Brangman the 2016 F.O.C.U.S. Wisdom Keeper Wednesday, April 6, 2016 5:00PM – 8:00PM The Oncenter Convention Center 800 South State St. Syracuse, NY 13202 Admission Info: Official Website » Admission Info: Visit Website Get Tickets » An exception evening which includes free parking, dinner stations, dessert, networking, guest speakers, awards presentation and more. It is with great enthusiasm that F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse announces Dr. Sharon Brangman the 2016 F.O.C.U.S. Wisdom Keeper. Sharon Brangman, M.D., an inspiration, role model, advocate and teacher who guides patients, doctors, caregivers, health care professionals, medical students,
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People’s AME Zion Church Turning “Whine” into Water
Church Led Effort delivers hundreds of cases of water to Flint, Michigan during their water crisis.
People’s AME Zion prepares for a 3rd trip to Flint
People’s AME Zion delivering CNY donated water, in Flint, Michigan People’s AME Zion Church successfully delivered water donated by Syracuse and Central New York to Residents of Flint, Michigan. They’ve completed a second trip and are preparing to send additional water to Flint. This has become a community wide crusade.
Reverend Daren C. Jaime
The water drive inspired the region, Syracuse City Schools, Onondaga County and many groups, individuals and organizations came together, recognizing a city hundreds of miles away was in trouble. Peoples A.M.E. Zion is the oldest AfricanAmerican church in Syracuse and the central New York region. Its rich history dates back generations, an integral part in the fight to end slavery and seek equality.
People’s AME Zion emergency relief effort, in Flint, Michigan
According to People’s AME Zion Church Pastor, “I want to thank both Syracuse and Central New York for their overwhelming response to this human injustice to the people of Flint. Community means two words, ’common unity’ and this unified effort we People’s AME Zion Church, located at 2306 S. Salina Street has been the local driving force behind obtaining have seen through the water for Flint, Michigan. The Syracuse area community CNY response to our relief efforts proves just support has been tremendous as the group delivered 2000 cases of water to Flint, Michigan. They’re partthat.” nered with a local church to deliver the much needed It’s early March and Rev. Daren C. Jaime is preparing for a third trip to the beleawater to residents. guered city of Flint, Michigan. The supplies were gone within hour, organizers say, There’s been a lot of finger pointing and assessment of blame, there’ll be plenty of “We’ll be back” as they headed home eager to make that journey again helping time for investigating what happened. While some were “whining” about what’s those in crisis. On their second trip the group sent two tractor trailers delivering 4,000 cases of water. The effort mobilized 33 persons who made the second jour- happened to Flint’s water supply. People’s AME Zion mobilized an emergency relief effort, an example of turning “whine” into water. ney to Flint. In 2006, the Reverend Daren C. Jaime was appointed to the People’s Church. Under Pastor Jaime’s leadership, People’s formed the People’s Community Development Corporation (PCDC), bringing community, economic development and revitalization to the heart of the Syracuse’s south side. Pastor Jaime extended his ministry by adding an 8:00 am Sunday Worship Service as well as a wide range of other growing ministries and outreach initiatives.
SCSD Schools Earn Improved Accountability Status from New York State Education Department New data released from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) shows that nine out of the eighteen SCSD schools currently in receivership status made significant academic progress; these schools will be removed from the receivership list. In addition, four other schools in the Syracuse City School District have made impro vements in their accountability status designations.
staff, parents and students as well as the coordinated efforts of the district’s technical partners and community based organizations (CBOs). These efforts help ensure that more students have access to excellent teaching, personalized academic intervention, high quality enrichment and increased levels of social emotional and mental health supports. Key strategies that schools are implementing with the assistance of technical partners and CBOs include extended learning time and after school programs, personalized blended learning, used of data to drive school improvement efforts, and strategies to enhance school climate, classroom management and student and parent engagement. The district is also attracting top tier teachers through a competiti ve new contract and a focus on recruiting, hiring and retaining the best teachers.
high-quality education that prepares them to graduate college and career ready. We will continue our transformation efforts to ensure that our students experience the greatest possible educational gains.”
Furthermore, the recent data showed the number of SCSD schools considered in ‘Good Standing’ has tripled, from three in 2015 -2016 to nine in 2016-2017. The schools in 'Good Standing' include Expeditionary Learning Middle School, Delaware Primary, Franklin, Hughes, Huntington, Institute of Technology, Public Service Learning Academy, Salem Hyde and Syracuse Latin. Previously, the three schools in ‘Good Standing’ were as a result of the phasing-in of new schools PSLA at Fowler, Syracuse Latin and Delaware Primary. In addition, the schools designated as priority schools, the lowest perFranklin, Hughes, Bellevue, Grant, H.W. Smith, forming fi ve perNottingham, Porter, Seymour and Van Duyn cent of Title I schools have all been removed from priority sta- “Coupled with the recent increase schools in the tus, improving to ‘Focus’ or ‘Good Standing’ in graduation rates, the latest state, have dedesignations. Four of the seven schools — NYSED data serves as an affirmacreased from 18 in Bellevue, Porter, Seymour and Van Duyn — are tion that the tireless efforts of the 2015-2016 to 12 a part of the Inno vation Zone (iZone) and imstudents, staff and technical and in 2016-2017. proved from ‘Priority’ to ‘Focus’ status. community partners of the Syracuse City School These identifications are based on the annual District are making a difference and moving us performance of students on state assessments, as Improved academic outcomes have been dri ven in the right direction,” Superintendent Sharon L. well as graduation rates. by dedicated teachers, school leaders, support Contreras said. Other schools that improved are Expeditionary “Our District’s Learning Middle School (Focus to Good Standmission is to build ing), ITC (Focus to Good Standing), Salem school communiHyde (Focus to Good Standing) and Huntington ties that provide all (Focus to Good Standing). students with a